Pokrovsk Holds As Russia's Attempted Encirclement Exaggerated

The situation in Pokrovsk and the surrounding area remains tense, but reports of Russian encirclement appear exaggerated as Ukrainian counterattacks in areas reportedly lost have relieved some of the pressure. 

The full weight of Russian combat forces, now 170,000 troops, has been concentrated in that sector but have, so far, not achieved significant gains, let alone the breakthroughs prematurely reported . JL

Kateryna Tyshchenko reports in Ukraine Pravda and Sofiia Syngaivska reports in Defense Express:

There has been no encirclement or blockade of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad as Russian troops are "paying the highest price" for trying to fulfil the Kremlin leader's goal of occupying Ukrainian Donbas. Reports from the ground indicate intense clashes as Ukrainian units advance in a complex operation to kill and push back Russian forces in Pokrovsk. Despite the overwhelming numbers, Ukraine continues to demonstrate its ability to operate under high-risk conditions, maintaining initiative even in areas considered lost. "We continue clearance of the Dobropillia salient. Pokrovsk – we are holding it. Myrnohrad – we are holding it."

Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has said there has been no encirclement or blockade of the cities of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast. He has also said that a complex operation to kill and push back Russian forces in Pokrovsk is ongoing involving, among others, Special Operations Forces, the Security Service of Ukraine and Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU). The zones targeted by the assault are critical for Ukrainian logistics, forming key nodes that support defensive and offensive operations in the broader Pokrovsk sector. By reentering these districts, Ukrainian forces aim not only to restore control but also to disrupt russian attempts to consolidate their positions after months of heavy fighting.

The move comes amid escalating pressure from russian forces, which have concentrated around 170,000 troops near Pokrovsk, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s remarks during a briefing on October 31. Despite the overwhelming numbers, Ukraine's Defense Intelligence continues to demonstrate its ability to operate under high-risk conditions, maintaining initiative even in areas considered lost.

 

Reports from the ground indicate intense clashes as Ukrainian units advance through urban terrain. The success of this operation could determine whether Ukraine retains critical supply routes and tactical depth west of the city.

As Defense Express previously reported, Ukrainian border guard drone operators from the Phoenix unit have conducted a highly successful strike operation near Kostyantynivka in Donetsk region, inflicting heavy losses on russian forces. According to an official report from the unit, their UAV operators eliminated multiple pieces of equipment and dozens of enemy soldiers in a single coordinated action.

Source: Syrskyi on Facebook after his trip to the Pokrovsk front and meetings with commanders

Quote: "In the Pokrovsk-Mirnohrad agglomeration, our troops are holding back sustained pressure from a large enemy force that numbers many thousands and is persistently trying to infiltrate residential districts and cut our supply routes. However, there is no encirclement or blockade of the cities and we are doing everything necessary to maintain logistics.

A complex operation to destroy and drive the enemy out of Pokrovsk is ongoing. The main burden is on the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in particular UAV operators and assault units. Also, on my instruction, combined groups of the Special Operations Forces, Ukrainian Military Law Enforcement Service, the Security Service of Ukraine and other components of the Ukrainian defence forces, including DIU, are operating in the city."

Details: Syrskyi said that in Pokrovsk, Russian troops are "paying the highest price" for trying to fulfil the Kremlin leader's goal of occupying Ukrainian Donbas.

Quote: "We continue clearance and liberation of areas on the Dobropillia salient. Pokrovsk – we are holding it. Myrnohrad – we are holding it."

More details: Syrskyi stressed that in the current difficult conditions effective coordination between units and well-synchronised execution of tasks are crucial.

Quote: "The defence of the agglomeration will be reinforced with additional units, weapons and equipment, including unmanned systems and UAV assets."